Automated Seed Sampler for Non-Destructive Trait Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for sampling seeds in plant development are inefficient, as they often require destructive testing and may miss or exclude seeds with desirable traits, leading to wasted resources and time in growing plants without the desired characteristics.

Innovation Solution

An automated seed sampler system that allows for non-destructive sampling of seeds, enabling the testing and sorting of all seeds in a population, thereby ensuring that only seeds with the desired traits are propagated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If statistical sampling is used to test seeds, then the testing process is faster and less resource-intensive, but some seeds with desirable traits may be excluded and some seeds without desirable traits may remain in the population

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting speedVSAvoidaccuracy of trait identification

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual destructive sampling with an automated mechanical sampling system that uses a broach to extract tissue samples from seeds. This mechanical substitution enables high-throughput non-destructive testing, allowing every seed to be tested individually rather than relying on statistical sampling, thus resolving the contradiction between testing speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a tissue sample copy from each seed that can be tested separately while the original seed remains intact and viable. This copying approach allows comprehensive testing of all seeds without destroying them, enabling 100% testing coverage while maintaining seed viability for planting, thereby resolving the contradiction between thorough testing and resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If every seed is tested individually, then the accuracy of identifying seeds with desirable traits is improved, but the time and resources required for testing increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of trait identificationVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a continuous automated sampling system where seeds are fed individually through a sampling station that continuously extracts tissue samples. The system operates without interruption, with the broach continuously engaging and disengaging from seeds, enabling high-volume testing at rapid speeds. This continuous operation dramatically reduces the time required to test entire seed populations compared to manual batch-by-batch processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated sampling system performs the entire sampling operation without human intervention. The seed feed mechanism automatically positions seeds, the broach automatically extracts samples, and the system automatically advances to the next seed. This self-service automation eliminates manual labor time and enables rapid processing of large numbers of seeds, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive testing and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If manual sampling methods are used, then the equipment complexity is low, but the sampling throughput and efficiency are insufficient for testing large seed populations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling equipment complexityVSAvoidsampling throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated sampling station: seed feeding, positioning, tissue sample extraction, and sample delivery are all performed by one automated system. The broach mechanism integrates cutting, scraping, and sample ejection functions. This merging of functions achieves high throughput without proportionally increasing system complexity, as all operations occur in a single stationary location rather than requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling station is designed as a universal device that can process different types of seeds through the same basic mechanism. The broach and feed system are adaptable to various seed sizes and shapes, allowing one piece of equipment to handle diverse seed populations. This multi-functionality enables high productivity without requiring separate specialized equipment for each seed type, thus avoiding excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9448141B2Automated seed sampler and methods of sampling, testing and bulking seeds

Publication Date: 2016.09.20 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

An automated system for sampling seeds generally includes an automated sampling station having a seed feeder and a seed sampler. The seed feeder is configured to deliver seeds to the seed sampler, and the seed sampler is configured to remove material from the seeds without substantially adversely affecting the germination viability of the sampled seeds. The system also includes a sample handling station configured to receive the material removed from the seeds, and a seed handling station configured to receive the sampled seeds after the material is removed from the seeds such that the relationship between the material removed from the seeds and the respective seeds can be determined.